Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

There’s something magical about the aroma that fills the kitchen when you make Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. I remember the first time I stumbled upon this dish; it was a chilly evening, and the world outside felt too rushed. As I prepared this comforting meal, I could hardly wait for the tantalizing flavors to meld together. The sweetness of the honey and brown sugar blended perfectly with the savory notes of soy sauce and the zing of fresh ginger, creating a symphony of taste that had my family gathered around the table in no time. Each bite of tender, juicy chicken brought a sense of warmth that transcended the simple act of cooking. This dish isn’t just about nourishment; it’s about the memories created around the dinner table, the laughter shared, and the satisfaction of a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Everything You Need for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

The ingredients of Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken come together to create a delightful harmony of flavors. Each ingredient serves a crucial role, contributing to the dish’s unique taste and texture. The key players include succulent chicken, aromatic garlic, and fresh ginger, all enhanced by the sweet and savory notes of honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Together, they create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners.

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, this chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful as it cooks slowly in the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Adds a wonderful aromatic depth and savory essence that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced: Brings a fresh, zesty kick that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• 1/4 cup honey: Provides sweetness that balances the savory flavors and enhances caramelization.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and adds a rich, molasses-like flavor.
• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The backbone of the teriyaki flavor, lending umami and saltiness without overpowering.
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: A touch of acidity that brightens the dish and balances the sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty flavor that’s characteristic of Asian cuisines.
• 1/4 cup cold water: Used for mixing, ensuring the sauce reaches the right consistency.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency, perfect for coating the chicken.
• Optional sesame seeds and green onions to garnish: These toppings enhance the dish’s presentation and add a touch of crunch.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

Making Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is as easy as it is rewarding. Get ready to enjoy a simple yet delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Follow these easy steps to create a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

1. Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are spread evenly to allow for even cooking.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Pour this wonderful mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is nicely coated. This will infuse the flavors right into the meat as it cooks.
4. Set your slow cooker on high and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours. The longer the cooking time, the more tender the chicken will become.
5. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Next, pour the sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan. This will remove any bits of garlic or ginger, creating a smooth sauce.
7. Bring the strained sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat. This will help to concentrate the flavors.
8. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Once your sauce is simmering, pour this mixture into the saucepan.
9. Stir the sauce continuously until it reaches a boil and thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes just a few minutes.
10. Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat. I like to keep the mixture in the crockpot on warm until serving.
11. As a final touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. This adds a pop of color and crunch!

Tips and Tricks about Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

When it comes to perfecting your Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, there are a few tricks that can elevate your dish and make cooking even easier. Here’s what I’ve learned over the years:

• Storage: After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about three to four days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Portion out the leftovers and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy again.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
• Garnishing: Don’t skip the garnishes! Sesame seeds and green onions not only elevate the flavor but also add a visual appeal that makes the dish more enticing.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Make it saucier: If you love extra sauce, double the ingredients for the sauce so you have plenty to drizzle over your rice or vegetables.

Pairing Suggestions for Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken, the options are plentiful. This succulent dish not only shines on its own but also pairs beautifully with various sides to create a well-rounded meal.

• Steamed rice: A classic choice, it absorbs the flavors of the teriyaki sauce perfectly.
• Vegetable stir-fry: For a colorful and nutritious addition, stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas complement the dish beautifully.
• Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken.
• Quinoa: For a healthier option, serve the chicken over quinoa, which adds a nutty flavor and extra protein.
• Spring rolls: Consider serving this dish with fresh spring rolls for a delightful contrast in textures.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, and even special occasions like birthdays or holidays!
• Garnishes: Always finish with sesame seeds and green onions for a professional touch.

FAQ

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken is truly a standout dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Its ability to bring the family together is unmatched, and the ease of preparation makes it a favorite for busy weeknights. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; once you do, it will become a staple in your home. Enjoy the process, savor the moments, and dig into a bowl of goodness!

Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

The ultimate comfort food awaits with Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken. Tender, juicy chicken is enveloped in a sweet and savory sauce, making it an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Satisfy your cravings with a dish that’s both delicious and simple to prepare!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Asian

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds Chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons Garlic
• 2 teaspoons Ginger
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1/4 cup Brown sugar
• 1/2 cup Soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Sesame oil
• 1/4 cup Cold water
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• Optional sesame seeds and green onions

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Saucepan
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are spread evenly to allow for even cooking.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the garlic, ginger, honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Pour this wonderful mixture over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is nicely coated. This will infuse the flavors right into the meat as it cooks.
4. Set your slow cooker on high and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 6 to 7 hours. The longer the cooking time, the more tender the chicken will become.
5. Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Next, pour the sauce from the slow cooker through a strainer into a saucepan. This will remove any bits of garlic or ginger, creating a smooth sauce.
7. Bring the strained sauce mixture to a simmer over medium heat. This will help to concentrate the flavors.
8. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Once your sauce is simmering, pour this mixture into the saucepan.
9. Stir the sauce continuously until it reaches a boil and thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes just a few minutes.
10. Pour the thickened sauce over the shredded chicken and toss to coat. I like to keep the mixture in the crockpot on warm until serving.
11. As a final touch, sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. This adds a pop of color and crunch!

Notes

After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about three to four days.

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion out the leftovers and freeze for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy again.

A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken.

Don’t skip the garnishes! Sesame seeds and green onions not only elevate the flavor but also add a visual appeal that makes the dish more enticing.

If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick.

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Meet Piper Cross

I am obsessed with using fresh, seasonal produce to make meals shine. I believe a squeeze of citrus or a handful of herbs can change everything. I cooked and photographed this dish with a focus on vibrant colors and natural textures, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes when you make it.